Windows 7 How many watts do I need...

[kemical]

Here is an excellent article by Xbit labs where they do real world testing on how much certain types of pc draw power.
So if your either going to build a fast gaming rig or just a work station the answer to the power needs will be here..

Link Removed due to 404 Error

 

[epk1950]

by any chance do you know of Any real good hands on testing computer wattage usage with a multi meter tutorial?

Edit: I found two great guides.

Link Removed


Link Removed - Invalid URL

 

[Radenight]

Very nice articles guys! Informative and very well written.. Good stuff!

 

[john3347]

And just for a quick reference...

In addition to the detailed information posted in this thread, there is a quick reference approximation of wattage requirements of various components in the TigerDirect Technology Guide linked below. While this guide is much less technical than some others, it shows an approximate range of power requirements for various PC components that will guide someone when deciding how large a power supply is needed for any given application.


Link Removed - Invalid URL

 

[epk1950]

Yea, I'm having the darndest time, I can calculate the AC amperage my pc is digesting which is 2.5 amps ac from a Fluke TS-1000 multimeter, but I am trying to get my DC amps so I can multiply that with my 12v reading to calculate my wattage usage on idle and load, but my fluke 87 V multi meter & fluke 80i-1010 ac/dc amp clamp are being problematic!

 

[john3347]

Yea, I'm having the darndest time, I can calculate the AC amperage my pc is digesting which is 2.5 amps ac from a Fluke TS-1000 multimeter, but I am trying to get my DC amps so I can multiply that with my 12v reading to calculate my wattage usage on idle and load, but my fluke 87 V multi meter & fluke 80i-1010 ac/dc amp clamp are being problematic!

My level of electrical expertise is about as low as my level of computer expertise, but since your meter is reading RMS voltage and hence amperage; can you not just make a direct proportional relationship between AC and DC? Would it not work out that 2.5 amp AC on a 120 VAC circuit (300 watt) would convert to 25 amp DC on a 12 VDC circuit (again 300 watt)? Am I missing something?

edit: Of course you have to figure the power loss through the transformer and rectifier, but that will be only a few percentage points. Also, it may be quite difficult to get power supply output wires separated enough that the current flow through a neighboring wire doesn't affect the wire you have your clamp around. I might not understand exactly what you are trying to do, either.